Hurricane Ian Damage and Florida Insurance Claims Lawyers
Hurricane Ian is a large and dangerous storm currently making its way toward Florida. This hurricane has already caused significant damage in the Caribbean, and meteorologists expect Hurricane Ian to bring strong winds and heavy rain to Florida when it makes landfall. Florida officials urge residents in the path of the hurricane to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property from the storm.
Computer models and hurricane trackers now predict that Hurricane Ian will hit Florida somewhere along the West Coast or Panhandle. As such, a Hurricane Watch is in effect for Tampa, the Florida Keys, Englewood, and across the Florida Panhandle.
The Florida Keys and West Coast should brace themselves for heavy rain, hurricane-force winds, and storm surges. A CNN report says the storm could bring six inches in the Florida Keys or eight to 10 inches along West Central Florida, with isolated totals of more than 15 inches.
The federal government has declared a state of emergency in Florida as Ian places 15 million people at risk for hurricane property damage and injury due to the storm’s high winds. This includes residents living near Tampa Bay, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered the mandatory evacuation of residents in Pinellas County, specifically Zones A, B, and C. This is due to the high population that lives in manufactured homes, RVs, and trailers.
Tampa Hurricane Claim Guide
- Filing a Property Damage Claim After Hurricane Ian
- The Insurance Claim Process After Hurricane Ian
- Florida Homeowners Face Uphill Battle To Collect After Hurricane Ian
- Contact Our Tampa Insurance Claims Lawyers
Filing a Property Damage Claim After Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian could cost Floridians billions of dollars in damage to their properties. If Hurricane Ian damages your home or property, you might not know what to do next. Unfortunately, the insurance process is slow and painful, as victims of past natural disasters can attest.
To avoid unnecessary delays, here is how you can get the money you deserve from your insurance company.
The Insurance Claim Process After Hurricane Ian
After Hurricane Ian, you may find that you suffered damage to your property. If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurer to recover the money you need. Here is how to do that:
- Take photos or videos of the damage to your property.
- Make a list of all the damaged items, including their make, model, and serial number (if possible).
- Contact your insurer and inform them that you have damage from Hurricane Ian. The insurance company might ask you to take temporary measures to stop further damage from occurring, such as putting up a tarp. These interim measures give insurance adjusters time to come out and assess the property.
- Your insurer will likely send an adjuster to inspect the damage. You must be at your residence when the adjuster arrives to point out all the damage.
- The adjuster will then prepare a report for your insurer.
- Once the report is approved, your insurer will issue a check to you for the repairs.
- You can then use the money to repair your property.
While this might seem relatively straightforward, insurance companies often do not cooperate reasonably after a natural disaster. They may delay the process or even refuse to address your claim promptly. They may offer you far less than you deserve—and need—to properly repair your home.
Unfortunately, insurance companies and adjusters may drag their feet when sending adjusters to your property. It is not uncommon for homeowners to wait months before an adjuster arrives to view the damage. It can take even longer before the repairs get completed.
In recent years, the New York Times estimated that insurers have paid over $20 billion in property loss claims to residents affected by hurricanes. With so many payments and extensive damage, Florida residents should expect delays in paying property damage claims after Hurricane Ian.
Florida Homeowners Face Uphill Battle To Collect After Hurricane Ian
For many homeowners in Florida, Hurricane Ian will mark the start of a long and painful battle with insurance companies and adjusters. The fight to rebuild can take years, and the funds are not easy to obtain – even when insurance policies cover it.
Yet, Florida homeowners pay more than double for property insurance now than they did in 2007. Property insurance should cover a natural disaster like a hurricane. However, when disaster strikes, Tampa homeowners are often surprised to learn how complex the insurance company makes the claims process.
Contact Our Tampa Insurance Claims Lawyers
At the Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Attorneys, our Tampa insurance claims attorneys understand the complications that can arise after a hurricane. We know the tactics of skilled insurance claims adjusters and work tirelessly to protect Tampa homeowners at every turn.
If Hurricane Ian damaged your property, let our experienced Tampa team get you the protection you deserve and the maximum settlement possible. With over $40 million in jury verdicts and negotiated settlements, our results in dealing with complex insurance claims speak volumes.
Contact us as soon as you can at (813) 278-1032. We’ll review your insurance policy, evaluate your property damage, and assess any offers your insurance company offers you to ensure it covers everything it should. If the insurance company tries to shortchange you, we can discuss your legal options for pursuing the compensation you deserve.
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The Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Attorneys
2503 W Swann Ave #100
Tampa, FL 33609